So you've converted your garage to a workshop and loaded it up with all your favorite tools. Only one problem, now you can't sleep at night, worrying about someone stealing them. A freestanding workshop or garage is one of the easiest places to secure. Usually it has only one or two rooms, and a limited amount of perimeter openings. Unlike your home, having a few exposed wires will not be a problem. This will allow you to select a wired alarm kit instead of a more expensive wireless system.

It is always best to begin with a floor plan diagram. Be sure to locate all of your windows and doors as well as any permanent equipment. Keep in mind how you will use the space. Will you be parking your car in an empty space at night? Will partially assembled projects be standing in the middle of the floor? This could become an issue when installing motion detectors. Motion detectors are optical devices and it is easy to block their view. Professional alarm systems use two types of motion detectors. The most common types are passive infrared detectors. They can sense changes in temperature (like your body temperature) and movement. Infrared detectors cannot see through windows or walls. That means they also cannot see through automobiles or bookcases. If you are not sure about how an alarm sensor works, a complete list of security devices is available on line at securityalarminfo.

Now is time to decide what equipment to use. The first decision is whether to do windows and doors or just depend on motion detectors. Because no one will be sleeping in the space, and when it is armed no one will be moving around inside, you could do either one. There is only one reason to do windows and doors in this situation. Say someone is attempting to break in, and they stick a screwdriver in a window to pop it open. The alarm siren will begin to sound immediately as the window is opened. The intruder is much more likely to run away in this scenario. Whereas installing a motion detector only system means that the intruder will be inside before the alarm is activated. Under this scenario it is likely they will take something with them when they leave. Looking at your floor plan drawing, mark locations for your control panel, keypad, motion detectors and number your windows and doors. It is always best to install at least one motion detector inside. This interior trap will form a backup to the window and door sensors. If you have a smarter than average burglar, one who breaks out the glass and climbs through the hole without opening the window, the motion detector will detect them when they move around inside.

The alarm keypad is used to arm and disarm the system. Locate it close to the door where you will come and go. It does not need to be hidden or concealed; tampering with it will not affect how the alarm behaves. The main control panel is a different story however. It consists of a metal cabinet usually about the size of a large telephone book. Inside will be the alarm control board, battery backup, wire splices and optional telephone connector. This should be located in an accessible place, but protected. You will only need to get into it every few years to change the backup battery. You would not want it to be readily accessible to the burglar.

Now, what do you want to happen if there is an alarm activation? Access to a telephone line will allow the system to be monitored by a professional company. All professional alarm systems have built in digital dialers that can communicate to an alarm central station. These dialers are not used to call your home and leave a voice message. Optional voice dialers can be added to the system, in place of monitoring. They can be programmed to call up to four telephone numbers and repeat a recorded message. If the shop is close to the house, a loud outdoor siren could be used to get your attention. If you decide to use an outdoor siren, be sure to also use the inside siren. They have been shown to be very effective at getting the burglar out of your space more quickly.

Lastly, if your alarm kit included window/door warning stickers, be sure to use them. It is better to have the burglar just move on, looking for an easier spot, without doing any damage. The only thing left to do is 'arm up' and get a good night's sleep again.